Online MBA Programs in Maine

Maine is known for being the birthplace of Paul Bunyan and the inspiration for novelist Stephen King. With a population of 1.3 million, according to the 2010 U.S. census, Maine is the largest state in New England. Its eight major cities include Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. The University of Maine, with a flagship campus in Orono, is the state’s largest public university system and offers a notable online MBA program. Of Maine’s colleges and universities, 29 are members of the New England Board of Higher Education.

Why Consider an Online MBA in Maine?

The New England Board of Higher Education allows distance learners from other states to enroll in online MBA programs in Maine. The University of Maine offers one of the best online MBA programs in Maine. The comprehensive online program has a dedicated faculty and special per-credit e-tuition rates for out-of-state students. University College handles UMaine’s distance learning programs and manages outreach centers in eight cities in Maine. Outreach centers offer student concierge services, access to online courses, and interactive televisions.

Applicants to UMaine must submit an online application and GMAT, GRE, or MAT test scores. Students should research their program’s application process and requirements. Online students at UMaine may take online courses year-round, and courses last 4 to 16 weeks.

Percentage of Students Enrolled by Distance Education

Percentage of students enrolled at Title IV institutions in Maine, by distance education enrollment status, Fall 2012

MBA Concentrations for Maine Students

According to Newsmax, the top industries in Maine are healthcare, retail, tourism, education services, and construction, with tourism having grown significantly in recent years. However, Maine is still widely known for its paper, lumber, and fishing industries. As a result of these booming industries, concentrations in the natural sciences, hospitality, and engineering are lucrative choices for students earning an online MBA in Maine.

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology: Wildlife science encompasses ecology, biology, conservation, and wildlife management. Undergraduate students select a concentration that they explore through rigorous research as a graduate student.

Forest Resources: Millions of forested acres make Maine the ideal region for forestry students. Undergraduate study covers bioenergy and bioproducts, and graduate students conduct field research in the woods.

Accreditation in Maine

All public universities in Maine are regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education. Because regional accreditation is the most prestigious type, degrees from these institutions are widely recognized and credits transfer easily. National accreditation is generally reserved for vocational and trade schools. The accreditation process evaluates the rigor and effectiveness of institutions and programs and is required for schools to receive federal funds.

Online MBA programs in Maine prepare students to find positions in the diversified economy and contribute to the state’s growth. Graduates manage workers in various fields and start their own businesses. Maine online MBA programs educate students about profitable state industries, so graduates are equipped to find the best professional opportunities in Maine.

Maine Economy, Career, and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

For decades, Maine’s economy has relied on the lumber and fishing industries. State fishermen capture millions of lobsters per year, and fishermen frequent areas such as the DownEast and Acadia region and Fish River. Fishing is so important to the state’s economy that the University of Maine created the Lobster Institute in 1987 to support the state’s fishing industry.

Maine’s wood manufacturing industry suffered during the late 90s to early 2000s, but the industry is slowly making a resurgence. The Maine Forest Products Council estimates that wood manufacturing generates $1.8 billion for the state’s economy and employs more than 8,000 residents.

In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics listed marine engineering and naval architecture as the two industries with the highest concentration of workers in Maine. Government experts project a 9% growth in healthcare and computer technology occupations within the next seven years.

Top Employers in Maine

Company

Industry

Headquarters City

Number of Employees

MaineHealth

Healthcare

Portland

8,501–9,000

Hannaford Bros. Co

Food Retail

Scarborough

8,000–8,500

Earning Potential with an MBA in the State of Maine

Earning an online MBA in Maine leads to higher salaries. Online MBA programs in Maine provide skills necessary to work in the state’s specialized industries. Studies from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a direct correlation between higher education and increased earning potential.

According to the latest U.S. census, 29% of Maine residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Maine boasts more than 40,000 privately owned businesses and nearly 140,000 private firms. Graduates of online MBA programs in Maine have the knowledge and tools necessary to own and operate a business. Students learn foundational skills required to supervise daily operations and manage finances, along with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Graduate Management Admission Council found that 79% of employers plan to hire MBA degree holders within the next year.

Average Salary by Degree

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Careers for MBAs in Maine

Chief Human Resources Officer

Human resources officers collaborate with upper management to hire quality personnel and maintain good working relationships with employees. They develop HR initiatives, implement strategies, and solve organizational issues within the department. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in employment for human resource specialists.

Service Line Director (Neurosciences)

Service line directors lead clinical care teams to assist physicians and improve patient care. They oversee strategic and financial planning for the department. Healthcare job opportunities in Maine are projected to increase 9% within the next decade.

Factory Controller

Factory controllers oversee a factory’s financial operations. They coordinate financial plans, such as budgets and forecasts. As senior members of the management team, they provide financial and data insight. Demand for financial operations workers is projected to grow by 3%.

Senior Product Manager

Senior product managers work on a product from conception to production. They manage the production team to ensure adherence to the company’s best practices, create marketing plans, and supervising implementation. Most senior product managers earn six-figure salaries.

icon-personVice President of Service Operations

VPs are in charge of a company’s regional or national business strategy. They strategize with other senior members to identify corporate goals and objectives. Senior members use this information to implement growth strategies. State VPs usually receive their online MBA in Maine.

Online MBA Programs in Maine

Choosing a Maine MBA program is a major decision and involves many factors. Program costs, length, and available concentrations are important variables to research. The following is a comprehensive list to online MBA programs in Maine.

Concentrations

How to Choose an Online MBA in Maine

There are many important considerations to make before settling on an online MBA program in Maine. These include factors discussed above like cost, accreditation, and available specializations. The following list includes some key steps to follow during the program research process for MBA options in any state.

Compare student outcomes data

Student outcomes include graduation rate, year-to-year retention rate, the average debt for a graduate from that school, and overall student satisfaction with their degree program. Student outcomes do not guarantee you will be satisfied with a particular program, but can be useful for pinpointing a school’s strengths and weaknesses.

Estimate the expected costs of your programs

Virtually every accredited college or university posts tuition rates online. Additionally, you should research other college-related costs like living accommodations and meal plans (if you plan to live on-campus), administrative fees, and technology fees (for online students). You should also look into scholarships, grants, and other forms of institutional financial aid that can offset some of the costs.

Check that classes will fit in with your schedule

Scheduling is critical for students with other important commitments, such as childcare or full-time employment. Many online programs are asynchronous, or self-paced; students in these tracks are free to complete course requirements on their own schedule. Synchronous programs, on the other hand, require weekly online meetings with teachers and fellow students.

Look for partnerships with local businesses

A large number of online MBA programs include internship and/or capstone practicum requirements ― and in many cases, students are able to gain on-the-job training and real-world office experience. You should look into the school’s business partnerships, particularly in regard to the industry you plan to enter after earning your MBA.

Make sure the program is accredited

Accreditation status should always be available and easily accessible on a school’s website. In addition to regional or national accreditation, some MBA pathways receive programmatic accreditation. Recognized programmatic accreditors for MBA programs include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the International Accreditation Counsel for Business Education (IACBE).

Talk to current students and/or recent alumni

You should contact the alumni office at each school you are considering and ask to be connected with former students. These individuals can be good sources of information about education costs, life on- and off-campus, local business tips, and other important details for aspiring MBA students.